Financial Assistance Opportunities

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Unemployment has been expanded by the passage of the CARES Act in Congress on March 27th. There is information on a combined SBA loan/grant program in the second update below. If you are facing unemployment or currently laid off, unemployment benefits have been expanded and now cover some people who are not usually eligable. 

Check out this flowchart to help you navigate the unemployment process. 

The City's Response and What More Can Be Done

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Portlanders are a caring people who know how to pull together in crisis. Even as we heeded calls to step away from each other for social distancing, many of us were also stepping up to make or donate masks or pick up food for housemates and neighbors. We will get through this crisis together. 

While the city could have been more effective in getting the word out through our neighborhood associations and NET program, it was right to call for a moratorium on evictions, create grants to help small businesses, and create a safe place with services for the houseless. ​At the same time, the city should not abandon homeowners who are facing mortgage payments with less income.  At a minimum, we must make sure all Portlanders are able to stay in their homes, and have access to essential services, and we must continue to provide services and health care for our houseless neighbors.

The most recent report is that the curve is leveling off, and there is hope it will begin to go down in the next couple weeks. Continue practicing social distancing! Do not relax your guard at this time. It's not over. For as long as it continues, and for several months during the initial econmic recovery after the Home Stay is lifted, I believe city and state governments should ensure:

• No evictions

• No foreclosures of residential OR commercial properties

• Extended paid sick leave

• No utility shut-offs, including phone and internet

• Grant and loan programs to assist local small businesses

• Rent and mortgage assistance

UPDATE: The Governor just released Executive Order 20-11, a moratorium on commercial evictions during the current state of emergency. It parallels her earlier order prohibiting residential evictions.

UPDATE: SBA has COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Grants of $10,000 for small businesses (even if you're an independent contractor or self-employed). Fill out the form here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance (Here's a helpful 13 minute video on filling out the form: https://vimeo.com/402753002)

Confronting the Coming Economic Crisis NOW

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The current health crisis is already precipitating a potentially more dangerous economic crisis. If we do not confront this crisis head-on with bold ideas and bold measures, that 2nd wave crisis could generate yet a 3rd crisis for democracy. We must prepare now for all three crises by staying steadfast in our approach to mitigating the current health crisis and being proactive in moving quickly to restore and strengthen our economy for everyday Portlanders. Additionally, we must also strengthen our demoracy by expanding our city council, electing commissioners by districts to ensure all Portlanders are fairly represented in city affairs and employ a voting reforms to ensure our commissioners are elected by the majority of voters.  [More info] 

The economic fallout from this crisis will be significant. Unless we rise to meet this challenge head-on, the magnitude of the financial crisis could be with us much longer. Tenants, small businesses and homeowners will all need assistance through this time. We must continue the programs above for several months into the recovery, and there is more we can do.

We city should ask the Governor to reconvene the legislature as soon as practicable to pass emergency measures to shore up our safety nets, including additional funds and expanded coverage by Oregon Health Authority, and enabling legislation to allow Portland and other Oregon cities to establish public banks to facilitate better use of local resources in address the coming financial crisis.  

Finally, even before this crisis hit, I have been calling for greater local food resilience. Public health officials have expressed concern privately about the potential impact of this global pandemic on food prices. Let's start planning now to strengthen our local food systems and create true local food resilience.  And if you're looking for something to do during these long days at home, I encourage you to plant a garden. :-)